Eating Disorders


Kay Abrams has been treating individuals with eating disorders since 1983. In treating severe disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, a multimodal approach is essential. Patients are required to consult a nutritionist and a physician in addition to individual and family work. Medication is also often necessary during the course of treatment. A Psychiatric Evaluation for medication may be advised in order to alleviate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.

Therapy for severe eating disorders, including compulsive overeaters who are struggling to become normal eaters, is two-fold. One major intervention involves impacting the psychological relationship with food, i.e. examining belief systems and self-talk. The other major work involves self development, i.e. enhancing self-esteem by gaining social skills, developing academic or career paths, achieving autonomy, etc..

In summary, Dr. Abrams takes a comprehensive holistic approach to intervention in the treatment of eating disorders. She works to impact the psychology of the eating disorder, with emphasis on the original defense of restricting and dieting as means for achieving self-esteem and comfort. The aim of successful treatment is to increase adaptive ways of coping, to better develop self-identity and increase social skills to enhance a secure sense of belonging and social confidence.

You may find this related recorded presentation of interest:

Rediscover Eating Workshops

"Rediscover Eating" is a three hour workshop designed by Kay Abrams in 1995. It is not a diet program! There is no "quick fix" in this program, which impacts the psychology and physiology of disordered eating behaviors and accompanying weight problems. Individuals realize the power of a self-nurturing approach to body image, food, and weight.

Affordable Workshops and Support Groups Involve:

  • Journaling to discover triggers that lead to eating.
  • No more "shoulds."
  • No more rules.
  • No more "all or nothing" thinking.
  • Support groups to maintain new mentality and regulated metabolism.

"Rediscover Eating" workshops will be held on Sunday late afternoons..

When: Sundays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Garrett Park Town Hall, 10814 Kenilworth Avenue, Garrett Park, Maryland.

Cost: $180 at the door or $160.00 in advance for the 3-hour workshop, including all materials and handouts.

Please contact us if you might be interested in taking the workshop.

Here's a testimonial from a past attendee:

"Dr. Abrams- I wish I had written all of that sooner, but I had a conversation over the weekend with some of my best friends from college about body image and college and caring what boys think, etc. I always talk about our session as a turning point for me and the way I thought. You just broke through the garbage I had been hearing/telling myself for years, and MADE SENSE! Now I hurt a littlewhen I hear people talking about diets. I know how different lifebecame when I just got off the treadmill of "body loathing."

"I remember you telling me that so many women meet a boyfriend at their heaviest weight. I truly believe that he started to be attracted tome AFTER I began to feel comfortable in my own skin. I'm SURE I'm way more attractive to people now that I like myself better. "

"I want you to know how wonderful you were in my life! It changed everything. I can remember you saying "the only thing that's going to make you fat is if you keep dieting." It's TRUE! I bet I've lost 10 pounds since then....not TRYING to lose weight, just trying to eat normally. Crazy concept, huh?
Thanks for everything! You're wonderful! - Eileen, Boston MA"

Please contact Dr. Kay Abrams at (301) 949-2098 or use our email contact form to schedule an Initial Intake.

Also, check out what author and registered dietician, Ann Litt, has to say about appropriate nutrition for athletes and for adolescents in recovery, at www.annlittrd.com